Halle Berry, Beyoncé, Nick Cannon: 8 Celebrities Committed to L.A. Wildfires Relief
Los Angeles residents have gotten a helping hand from some of their favorite celebrities as the city-wide wildfires remain active two weeks after they began. On Wednesday, January 22, a third major fire just north of L.A., named the Hughes Fire, caused a reported 31,000 people to be under evacuation orders. Later that evening, a fourth fire ignited near the I-405 pass, with temporary evacuation warnings being issued to those living in Bel-Air. According to Cal Fire, the Los Angeles Country fires have burned through a total of 40,462 acres, destroyed 15,798 structures and claimed the lives of 28 individuals.
As L.A. continues to pull through despite the trying times, eight stars—including Doja Cat, Halle Berry and The Weeknd—have done their part to restore the city. Below, we look into their efforts.
Beyoncé
Through her public charity BeyGOOD, Beyoncé pledged $2.5 million to Altadena and Pasadena families who lost their homes, also aiding churches and community centers to help those in need of assistance during the wildfires. The singer’s planned announcement on January 14 was also postponed amid the devastation.
“From the start of the wildfires, BeyGOOD has worked with volunteer service organizations and churches to identify homeowners and area residents most in need,” reads a statement about the BeyGOOD LA Fire Relief Fund.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry not only donated her “entire closet” to West Hollywood home goods store +COOP, but also went to the location, in addition to fellow home furnishing store Nickey Kehoe, to encourage impacted locals to visit and take home clothing and necessities.
“As you all know, the unimaginable happened this week but we’re coming together as a community to ensure displaced families have the resources they need during this unprecedented time,” the Oscar-winning actress wrote on Instagram.
The Weeknd
After cancelling his anticipated Rose Bowl concert and pushing the release date of his sixth album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” The Weeknd gave back in a major way, reportedly donating $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Jhené Aiko
As support to first responders who have courageously fought the wildfires, Jhené Aiko's wellness brand, Jhenetics, partnered with the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and Manly Handz mobile spa. Masseuses provided with Jhenetics products treated first responders who had muscle aches and tension on a base near the Pacific Coast Highway. Aiko, who’s a mother of a daughter, 16-year-old Namiko Love, and a son, Noah Hasani, 2, the latter whom she shares with Big Sean, tragically lost her home during the wildfires.
“Thank you to our first responders, those who have spent days away from their families, working tirelessly to protect us,” the singer wrote on Instagram. “We hope this small gesture of gratitude makes a difference during these long shifts 🙏🏼”
John Legend
On Sunday (January 19), John Legend met with the incarcerated CDCR Fire (Camp) Program crew after a 24-hour shift to keep them uplifted and surprised the group with an acapella rendition of his 2004 classic “Ordinary People.” In an Instagram post, the musician also urged that there be higher wages for the incarcerated workers, who earn $5 to $10 per shift.
“Something that stuck with me from this group was that no matter where we come from, we all have the capacity to serve, protect, and rebuild—not just for ourselves but for our community,” Legend wrote about the experience on Instagram.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat and the American Red Cross collaborated to create a merch collection in an effort to support Californians impacted by the tragic wildfires. Designed by PINI, the line includes tees and hoodies, all with sketched versions of the Grammy winner.
Nick Cannon
Contributing his time to CRCR firefighters earlier this month was Nick Cannon, who took one of his daughters to greet the group after they worked a 24-hour shift.
The Game
Supporting the Pasadena Fire Department with essential items and transporting misplaced pets to shelters was The Game, who also pointed his Instagram followers to relief resources.
On the firefighters, The Game wrote, “The hearts & level of humility in each & every soul down here is a beautiful thing to witness & be a part of.”